How do you like your martini? I learned my preference this week from a private martini workshop hosted by Belvedere Vodka.

Martini is one of the history’s most timeless and iconic cocktail. It has been a symbol of sophistication since the post-prohibition era.
Though a classic martini uses gin, the new trend now is to use vodka instead, preferably a nice one, such as Belvedere.

Belvedere is the world’s first luxury vodka made from Dankowski Gold Rye. It is distilled four times to ensure it reaches its optimum taste.
Mixing (& drinking) martini is a very personal experience. It is amazing how many possibilities there can be with just 3 simple ingredients: gin/vodka, vermouth, and a garnish.

Nishan Nepulangoda

Blowfish’s head bartender & award-winning mixologist Nishan Nepulangoda guided us through the steps on how to make our own perfect (or dirty) martini.

A dirty martini adds a splash of olive juice and a perfect martini uses equal parts of dry and sweet vermouth.

In order to select the martini that suits you the best, simply decide on whether you want: 1. vermouth or aromatized wine, 2. shaken or stirred, 3. wet or dry, and 4. olive or twist.

What are the differences?

Vermouth/Aromatized Wine
A vermouth contains a botanical from the wormwood family. The word “vermouth” comes from the German word Wermut (wormwood), which was a popular ingredient thought to aid in digestion and cure stomach ailments back in the days, before 1000BC.
While all vermouths are aromatized wines, not all aromatized wines are vermouths.

Shaken/Stirred
Stirring is a more delicate way to mix a martini and leaves the spirit undisturbed whereas shaking, though dilutes & chills the drink faster, may introduce air into the spirit and alter the texture.

Wet/Dry
A wet martini contains more vermouth; a dry martini has less.

Olive/Twist
An olive garnish adds a touch of salt and a lemon twist a refreshing aroma.

You can have the same experienceBelvedere Vodka is sending a lucky winner (along with 8 friends) to a private martini atelier on World Martini Day (June 19, 2015)! To enter the contest, visit: http://worldmartiniatelier.com